IYARKAI VALAM MATRUM PERUMPALLA Vs. SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The matter pertains to the proposed beautification of a perumpallam odai in Erode under the Smart City Mission sponsored with more than Rs.100 crore of funding by the Union Government.

(2.) The matter has been taken up on several occasions upon the petitioner's complaint that in the name of beautification, a natural water channel was being completely destroyed and devastated and amusement areas, entertainment parks, recreational spots together with eateries and like facilities were proposed to be constructed in what is essentially a wide and green channel which sees flowing water during the rainy season, but may dry up at other times.

(3.) When the matter last appeared, the State emphasised that the embargo on the construction by a previous order of this court should be lifted since a large amount was at stake and the inability to utilise the funds would cause irreparable prejudice. On the other hand, the petitioner advised caution since a green patch was being attempted to be substantially converted into concrete, albeit a part of the channel being left untouched. It was at this stage that the court required the environmental impact assessment report pertaining to the project to be produced.